Pak media community denounces 'drone attack' like gag order

Published: Sunday, July 11, 2010, 16:11 [IST]

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Lahore, July 11 (ANI): Pakistan's Punjab province government's gag order on media has received a huge criticism from the country's media fraternity with the Council of Pakistan Newspapers and Editors (CPNE) describing the move as a "drone attack" on the media.

The CPNE and other journalist organisations held a meeting here to denounce the passing of a bill concerning the ban on the media by the Punjab Assembly and demanded its immediate and unconditional withdrawal.

Scores of journalists and civil society members took out protest rallies across the province and observed a 'black day' against the gag order on Saturday.

Meanwhile, former information minister Sherry Rehman has also demanded the withdrawal of the anti-media resolution, which passed in the Punjab Assembly on Friday.

Rehman described the move as 'anti-democratic' and the one which reflected lack of tolerance amongst the legislators.

"While legislators reserve the right to resolve what they see fit, even if they are under fire, they must not lose sight of fundamental rights and entitlements guaranteed under the constitution," The Daily Times quoted Rehman, as saying.

On the other hand, Federal Information and Broadcasting Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira maintained that the government is committed to maintain the freedom of press.

While dispelling the notion that the government was trying to curb media's freedom, Kaira said journalists should play a more positive role in the society.

"The media should play a positive role in influencing the mind of the public by practicing responsible journalism," Kaira said. (ANI)